EU reiterates sovereign right of states to make their own decisions without external pressure

The EU Council in the conclusions of its December 19-20 meetings has again stressed the right of all sovereign states to make their own foreign policy decisions without external pressure.

"The European Council emphasizes the right of all sovereign states to make their own foreign policy decisions without undue external pressure," the conclusions read.

The European Union again confirmed its readiness to sign the Association Agreement, including a deep and comprehensive free trade area, with Ukraine, as soon as Kyiv is ready.

In its conclusions, the European Council also called "for restraint, respect for human and fundamental rights and a democratic solution to the political crisis in Ukraine that would meet the aspirations of the Ukrainian people."